Euthanasia

Click here to download in MS Word format.

University of Minnesota / Emerald Dairy

Transition Management Facility

In cases where humane considerations require that a cow be euthanized at the TMF, we will use a captive bolt to stun / euthanize the cow, with additional methods in cases where the captive bolt has caused brain death but a heart beat or respiration continue. If the cow has nervous system disease, consult with a veterinarian before using the captive bolt for euthanasia.

Only approved personnel are allowed to use the captive bolt. At the discretion of the approved personnel, veterinary students may be allowed to use the device under the immediate direct supervision of approved personnel. Access to the captive bolt device is forbidden to anyone except approved personnel. The captive bolt box must be kept locked and the box stored in the TMF laboratory area.

The captive bolt device is a dangerous piece of equipment. The captive bolt device must be kept in good working order and used only under controlled, safe conditions. No one should operate the captive bolt device unless they have been trained in its use, they are comfortable that the working conditions allow the device to be used safely, and they are certain that it is in good working order. The operator should wear eye and ear protective equipment. The captive bolt device must be cleaned and returned to its locked box immediately after use.

Procedure:

1. If possible, move the cow to a place where the body will be easy to access for disposal.
2. If the cow is standing, tie her head close to the ground to a strong post with a halter. If need be, tranquilize the cow with 3 cc of xylazine IV or IM (ROMPUN, 100 mg/ml).
3. Prepare the captive bolt according to the instructions and being very careful not to point the device at yourself or anyone else. Keep the device on SAFETY and do not cock it until you are ready to fire it.
4. Make sure that everyone is standing away from the cow.
5. When everything is ready, switch the captive bolt device to FIRE, cock the captive bolt and hold it against the cow's skull one inch behind (caudal) to the intersection of an "X" between the inside corner of the eyes and the ears. An alternative approach to determining the proper site is the intersection of lines from the inside corner of the eyes to where the cow's horns would be were she not dehorned. Push down the trigger. If the captive bolt does not fire, set it back to SAFETY and wait at least 30 seconds before trying to remove the cartridge from the chamber.Once the cow is down, in rare cases it may be necessary to augment the bolt¿s effects to assure that the cow is dead. Each or all of the following may be done as needed.
• Use the ice pick through the hole made by the captive bolt to further destroy the brain.
• Give the cow an overdose of IV potassium chloride (KCl: 200 grams in 500 mls of water; supplies are in the euthanasia kit)
• Use the trocar in both sides of the chest to admit air and collapse the lungs. It may be easier to insert the trocar if the hide is cut first with a knife.
• Cut the jugular veins and let the cow bleed out.
6. Once the cow is dead, clean and lubricate the captive bolt and all of the other equipment.
7. Put all of the equipment back into the box, lock it, and return the box to the proper cupboard in the TMF laboratory area.

• Jim Lewis
• Dan Preisler

• Dr. Paul Rapnicki
• Dr. Sandra Godden
• Dr. John Fetrow
• Dr. Jerome Carrier
• Dr. Linda Nelson